Christmas travel hell: Drivers face chaos on the roads with FOUR TIMES as much congestion

NIGHTMARE: Drivers with be hit by the 'perfect storm' of factors tomorrow

The motorway meltdown is being blamed on a “perfect storm” of factors in the run up to Christmas.

Schools breaking up, people hitting the shops and a surge in the number of delivery trucks on the roads could spell chaos.

Experts warn the worst gridlock is due around 4pm, with motorway journeys set to be crippled by tailbacks.

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GRIDLOCK: Traffic on the M25 is expected to plunge to 11mph

“There will be significant disruption on the roads”

Greg Hallsworth of Inrix

The average speed on the busy M25 around London is predicted to fall to just 11mph.

Greg Hallsworth, from traffic specialist Inrix, said: “There will be significant disruption on the roads due to the regular post-work peak, the start of the school holidays and people heading home for Christmas, as well as the number of delivery vehicles making drop-offs.

“Drivers taking to the roads this Christmas would be well advised to take alternative routes or avoid driving at peak times altogether.”

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SCHOOL'S OUT: Children breaking up for Christmas is set to add to the hellish traffic

The rail network is also set to face delays. Routes to and from London, Manchester and Cardiff will bear the brunt.

Around 200 improvement projects costing £103million are being carried out, while a strike by conductors in the RMT union will cause more problems on Southern routes between New Year’s Eve and January 2.